whats the difference between psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Answer 1

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can write prescriptions; psychologists aren't. Most psychiatrists focus just on biopsychological problems; many psychologists focus on research or counseling.

Answer 2

Psychiatrists are MD's and can prescribe medication
Psychologist are Phd and cannot, but are making leaps to do so with the American Psychological Association. Psychiartist are primarily medical model. Psychologist have a variety of paradigms (meaning schools of thought) about how therapy should be. Theres psychology of a lot of different areas like family, industrial/organizational, school and many more. Psychologists are more therapy types or reseachers.

Oh, and by the way: A psychologist has to have PhD. (a doctorate) its not a 4 year degree (that's just a B.S. in Psychology). With a masters degree you CAN become a LPC (Liscenced Professional Counselor) but to be a Psychologist you have to be a doctor. If you want to do therapy (in texas at least) that means 2000 PhD supervised hours face-to-face client contact. A psychiartist only has to have 7 hours of counseling training because their model is to medicate and surpress your symptoms, not teach you how to handle your problems.

Answer 3

To be specific or to answer what you have asked:

(1)

A Psychologist is a learner of Psychology or A scientist trained in Psychology.

A Psychologist provides therapy (not prescriptions or medicines) to fix mental disorders or various phobias.

(2)

A Psychiatrist is a Physician who specializes in Psychiatry.

Being a Physician a Psychiatrist can prescribe medicines or treatment whereas a Psychologist cannot.

Answer 4

The simplest way to describe the difference between them is that a psychologist primarily aids the depressed patient by counseling and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist may also perform psychotherapy; but, in addition, can prescribe medications and perform ECT (electroconvulsive therapy). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. A psychologist may hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) and be called "doctor"; but, is not a medical doctor (M.D.).

Answer 5

A psychiatrist is also an MD who specializes in diseases of the brain.A psychologist focuses on the "ID" or the personality.

Contrary to popular belief,psychologists can prescribe meds in SOME states

Answer 6

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, holds a medical degree, and prescribes medication. His/her training is on the medical/ biological/ neurological bases of mental illness. While some may do therapy, they are not usually trained in psychotherapy.
A psychologist has a PhD or PsyD and specializes in therapy, assessment, and consultation (amongst other things). They are trained in psychological theory and the behavioral, cognitive, social, dynamic (etc) causes of mental illness. In most states, they cannot prescribe medication. However, in some states (like New Mexico, I believe), psychologists can prescribe medication with additional training.

Answer 7

a psychiatrist has a medical degree before specializing in psychiatry. Whereas, a psychologist does a psychology degree for 3years and is a psychologist but is not a doctor or qualified to practice without further education

Answer 8

Psychiatry is a medical specialty dealing with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental illness – both in itself and in bodily illness ('psychiatry in medicine') – such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Its primary goal is the relief of mental suffering and improvement of mental well-being. This is sometimes done by first doing a thorough diagnostic assessment of the person from a biological, psychological, and social/cultural perspective. An illness or problem can then be managed by medication or various forms of psychotherapy. The word 'psychiatry' derives from the Greek for "healer of the spirit".

Most psychiatric illnesses cannot currently be cured. While some have short time courses and only minor symptoms, many are chronic conditions which can have a significant impact on a patients' quality of life and even life expectancy, and as such may require long-term or life-long treatment. Effectiveness of treatment for any given condition is also variable from patient to patient, with some patients having complete resolution of symptoms and others unfortunately having poor or minimal response to even the strongest measures. The majority of patients will fall somewhere in between.

A psychologist is a scientist and/or clinician who studies psychology, the systematic investigation of the human mind, including behavior and cognition. Psychologists are usually categorized under a number of different fields, the most well-recognized being clinical psychologists, who provide mental health care, and research psychologists, who collect, investigate and analyze aspects of human behavior.

Answer 9

A Psychiatrist can prescribe medicines or treatment whereas a Psychologist cannot.

Answer 10

A psychiatrist is the doctor that gives you drugs. He/She is more interested on helping you get better, and can recommend therapy for you. A psychologist is more of like a scientist that is interested in studying the brain. They usually don't come into contact with patients.